Attendences

[Enfield United]

Gazza-You mentioned attendences over the weekend, in last nights 5 matches the grand total was 294. With 27 watching Leyton v's promotion hopefuls ETU.

 

We could beat that for dead when we play Wabbey on the 27th, which should be a great game and if we get a run of good results til then it could be a duel meaning game.

 

But its another reason we need promotion and to get away from this level so that we can enjoy the two way terrace banter , although, I do respect all those who participate

[Gazza]

27? what is going on? mind you Leyton have never to my knowledge been that well supported, but its not good news is it? The league needs to look at the make up of the leagues & shake it up a bit.

 

I still say the RLN1 is a very weak league this season & I believe we have missed the chance to take advantage of that.

[Steph]

I have had another look at attendances and ET is down 12% which is pretty poor however the attendance for the whole league is down 44% so one could suggest that we have stood up better than most.

 

What is interesting is that Ware is down 14% and Waltham Abbey are down 13%. These are clubs challenging for promotion.

 

What is important is that Town's attendance is 33% higher than any others in the league.

[Sponsor of Beer]

I think it points to the benefits of the club's constitution in more difficult times- hopefully providing a greater resilience.

[Enfield United]

Originally Posted By: Steph

I have had another look at attendances and ET is down 12% which is pretty poor however the attendance for the whole league is down 44% so one could suggest that we have stood up better than most.

What is interesting is that Ware is down 14% and Waltham Abbey are down 13%. These are clubs challenging for promotion.

What is important is that Town's attendance is 33% higher than any others in the league.

Agree 200% with SoB last comment, no truer fact than that.

12% down in difficult times is not as diastrous as it looks and thanks to Steph's facts and figures others are finding it a lot tougher. If we were in Ware's or WaBbeys league position I would be confident our attendences would have been higher.

However some of the decrease will also be down to the fact we dont entertain teams with a particularly larger than average following this season compared with last season. However, a run of good results and fifth place a realistic sight, we could see it turn round, now that would be nice would'nt it?

[rayw]

But how much are average crowds down in the last 3 seasons. More like 30% down. Which shows that the club has not just stagnated but gone backwards.

[lovely stuff]

Falling attendances does not necessarily mean we are going backwards.(stagnating maybe)..Its more to do with the credit crunch and the continued outward migration of long standing local residents (a fact that most london clubs have to deal with).

[Gazza]

Originally Posted By: lovely stuff

Falling attendances does not necessarily mean we are going backwards.(stagnating maybe)..Its more to do with the credit crunch and the continued outward migration of long standing local residents (a fact that most london clubs have to deal with).

They are more realistic facts.

[Enfield United]

Originally Posted By: rayw

But how much are average crowds down in the last 3 seasons. More like 30% down. Which shows that the club has not just stagnated but gone backwards.

Agree and disagee. I do believe that the club has stagnated as well to a degree but gone backwards, no no. Our club are in the process of going forward i.e QE Stadium development and with it a centralised location and very near the old EFC ground, so initial attendences will be higher when the move happens.

What the club needs to do is steady this transitional period of Jim Chandler, Phil Hammett and now Mike Smee leaving. Its about getting the right management and team on the field.

Additionally, the club needs to reach out to the community more so with footy events for the youth with a program that makes visiting ETFC Fun for ages 5+ therefore encouraging dads (and mums) to also come through the turnstiles.

If we are honest with ourselves, all we have is a first team and a bar to entertain any 5+'s that attend matches, for me it's not rocket science, plus we will nick those who get disorientated wth the greedy local prem clubs.

[OldTowner]

Originally Posted By: Enfield United

What the club needs to do is steady this transitional period of Jim Chandler, Phil Hammett and now Mike Smee leaving. Its about getting the right management and team on the field.

EU - May have missed it, but where was it announced that Mike Smee has left ?
Where has he gone ?
What a great shame.

[Arkwright]

Originally Posted By: Enfield United

Originally Posted By: rayw

But how much are average crowds down in the last 3 seasons. More like 30% down. Which shows that the club has not just stagnated but gone backwards.

If we are honest with ourselves, all we have is a first team and a bar to entertain any 5+'s that attend matches, for me it's not rocket science, plus we will nick those who get disorientated wth the greedy local prem clubs.

It would seem that at the moment, the only Prem clubs who can sell out their home games are the two local ones, for the first time all the other clubs in the prem are struggling to sell out.
Is this because they are too greedy or you can see most of their games live on tv?.
It would be great to have facilities at the new ground to attract younger support, perhaps start with the youth section & their families & build from that?

[Stone Cold]

Originally Posted By: OldTowner

Originally Posted By: Enfield United

What the club needs to do is steady this transitional period of Jim Chandler, Phil Hammett and now Mike Smee leaving. Its about getting the right management and team on the field.

EU - May have missed it, but where was it announced that Mike Smee has left ?
Where has he gone ?
What a great shame.

Take a look at club website matey....he has left us to join PBT

[OldTowner]

Cheers Matey,

I believe my post was out before the web site update.

 

Anyway -

Great shame for us - but good luck to Mike.

Just hope he does not nick any of our up and coming talent.

[Enfield United]

Originally Posted By: Arkwright

Originally Posted By: Enfield United

Originally Posted By: rayw

But how much are average crowds down in the last 3 seasons. More like 30% down. Which shows that the club has not just stagnated but gone backwards.

If we are honest with ourselves, all we have is a first team and a bar to entertain any 5+'s that attend matches, for me it's not rocket science, plus we will nick those who get disorientated wth the greedy local prem clubs.

It would seem that at the moment, the only Prem clubs who can sell out their home games are the two local ones, for the first time all the other clubs in the prem are struggling to sell out.
Is this because they are too greedy or you can see most of their games live on tv?.
It would be great to have facilities at the new ground to attract younger support, perhaps start with the youth section & their families & build from that?

I believe we need to build on our youth team players and families at the beginning of next season. We certainly need a club mascot in the shape of a fox or bear etc and arrange a ten minute coaching program for kiddies at half time or a penalty shoot out.

I'm sure Once we get the attention of the youth section in this way that the word will spread and more kiddies with adults wouldwant to attend. The foundations would then be set for the following season at the new stadium.

Yes the local prem clubs are always sold out for league games, but in my footballing circles I come across many that do not renew their season tickets cos they feel illusioned with the costs and service they get for their money. That leaves them to take up other sports, go shopping or watch the footy video printer with their kids, ETFC, in my view at

[andyetfc]

We have to provide children with something more than just 90 minutes of Ryman level 4 football at the games if we are to attract them.

 

 

[Stone Cold]

how about give each child a ticket number on the turnstile as they come in and at half time 3 or 5 numbers get drawn out, those lucky to be drawn out can have a penalty comp during half time against our reserve/youth team keeper with the winner possibly gaining free entry to the next home game, will provide them with something along with us oldies some half time entertainment

[andyetfc]

Good idea but the problem is that most people either go to the bar, tea hut or burger bar at HT.

[Enfield United]

Originally Posted By: andyetfc

Good idea but the problem is that most people either go to the bar, tea hut or burger bar at HT.

Yes they do, thats cos the burger and drink bar cater for the adults in general, the kids and parents of the kids could'ntgive two hoots so long as they see the youth having a dribbling, running with the ball lesson or a penalty shhot out at half time.

Those participating can always get a drink after there little activity.

Giving 'stonecolds' numbers are only valid should numbers present a problem. With our youth team coaches and non playing squad players we should have numbers to cater for all kids that wish to participate. Like everything it needs organising so its successful.

[Steph]

Look I started watching EFC when I was 9. There was no entertainment at half time apart from the tannoy. I could not afford sweets or anything. There was Fred in the supporters hut arranging coach travel and generally a friendly welcome. When bored my cousin and I would play tag on the terraces.

 

Why did I continue going?

 

Because EFC were successful, I knew the names of the players and every programme had a pen portrait which would tell me their age and job. I dont think kids have changed since my time. Include in the programme a "meet the players" section with interviews and small biog and kids, if the side is successful, will come and be addicted. They will remember the names of their heroes and forget the poor players.

 

We should also forget the current trend of writhing around on the ground when tackled. Changing shirts when there is a little blood. I know the game is faster now and greater fitness is demanded however I do believe that football is not a non-contact sport and the strong but fair tackle adds to the drama of the occasion and must not be ruled out of the game.

 

Rant finished.

[Jim Cunneen]

Anyway, we were always too busy changing ends at half time....

 

I dont know about forgetting the names of the poor players....

 

I shall never forget Martin Duffield .... over to you FJ....tick, tick, tick,